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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.